BC Chamber Singers
Course Description
Summary
Bennington College Chamber Singers is a small, collaborative vocal ensemble focused on the craft of vocal chamber music. We’ll explore over 900 years of repertoire, from Medieval chant and Renaissance madrigals to Baroque oratorio, gems from the Classical and Romantic periods, and contemporary experimental vocal works!
Rehearsals will function as a shared space for listening, experimentation, and refinement. We’ll work on core ensemble skills such as blending, tuning, balance, and unified diction, while also exploring vocal color and expressive possibilities across styles and time periods. Students will sing in a range of configurations (duos, trios, quartets, and larger groups), with opportunities for solo work and musical leadership. Some repertoire will include piano.
The semester will culminate in a public performance and archival recording.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop listening skills and musical sensitivity by building awareness of tuning, balance, and blending
- Build confidence in sustaining independent vocal lines
- Strengthen skills in musical collaboration
Prerequisites
Audition required. Students should have prior choral singing experience, a solid foundation of musicianship skills, and knowledge of Western music notation. Tenors and basses are strongly encouraged to audition!
Auditions will be held on select dates at the end of April and the beginning of May. For more information on the audition process and to sign up for an audition time slot, go to https://calendly.com/vkelsey/fall-26-voice-auditions.
Email Virginia Kelsey if you have any questions.
Please contact the faculty member : virginiakelsey@bennington.edu